이인상의 「관매기(觀梅記)」 연구

Abstract

A record of Yi In-sang’s (1710-60) lifelong appreciation of plum (Prunus mume) flowers, “A Record of Gazing at Plum Blossoms” (Gwanmaegi) is a very important work for understanding in greater depth both his tastes in plum blossoms and his inner world. The present study analyzes the creative motivation, form and structure, and characteristics of the content of this piece in consideration of his life and friendships. From this work, it is apparent that, in his last years, Yi was filled with a great longing for deceased friends, especially for O Chan (1717-51), who had died unjustly. In “A Record of Gazing at Plum Blossoms,” Yi looks back on his life through memories of both plum blossoms and friends. A special type of memoir, this work enumerates Yi’s lifelong joys and sorrows and the deaths of his friends and wife alike. A very unique work in both form and content, “A Record of Gazing at Plum Blossoms” demonstrates an important stage in the author’s prose and is a text that deserves new attention in the history of prose during the latter half of the Joseon Dynasty.